(b) The superintendent shall have the power to conduct investigations, research, studies and analyses of matters affecting the interests of consumers of financial products and services, including tracking and monitoring complaints.

(c) The superintendent shall have the power to protect users of financial products and services, including:

(1) taking such actions as the superintendent deems necessary to educate and protect users of financial products and services;

(2) receiving complaints of consumers of financial products and services, and where appropriate (A) providing assistance to consumers; (B) mediating the resolution of such complaints with providers of financial products and services; or (C) referring such complaints to the appropriate federal, state or local agency authorized by law for appropriate action on such complaints;

(3) studying the operation of laws and advising and making recommendations to the governor on matters affecting consumers of and investors in financial products and services and promoting and encouraging the protection of the legitimate interests of users of such financial products and services;

(4) cooperating with, assisting and, when appropriate, referring matters to the attorney general in the carrying out of the attorney general's legal enforcement responsibilities for the protection of consumers of and investors in financial products and services;

(5) initiating and encouraging consumer financial education programs, and disseminating materials to educate users of financial products and services;

(6) providing technical assistance to local governments and not-for-profits in the development of consumer protection measures with respect to financial products and services; and

(7) continuing and expanding the detection, investigation and prevention of insurance fraud.